Early Preview: Fulham (H)
Last updated : 08 September 2007 By Jonathan Gifford
 | Solaman Olembe: In Line for Debut |
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Whereas next week's opponents Fulham have totalled up four points, all coming from home fixtures and lie six places behind Wigan.
Fulham have been firing on and off this season with some good results and also some poor ones. Great displays like the home game against Tottenham Hotspur, which ended 3-3, and also poor outings, such as the 2-1 defeat to Middlesbrough at Craven Cottage will make it a game leaving Latics wondering what Fulham team will show up.
Wigan on the other hand has put in some hard-fought displays. A battling-point away to West Ham United and maximum points so far at the JJB Stadium will leave Wigan in confident mood heading into the game against Fulham.
Hutchings' men didn't gain any points on their travels to Everton or Newcastle Utd but hard-working and good displays will leave Latics manager, Chris Hutchings in a confident mood that his side that grab all three points.
Wigan will be without the suspended Kevin Kilbane after he picked up two yellow cards away to Newcastle United. Salomon Olembé could be in-line to start at left-back, subject to international clearance but should he fail to do so, Emmerson Boyce is likely to slot in.
A debut could also be handed to Rachid Bouaouzan, who was signed from Sparta Rotterdam for an undisclosed fee thought to be around £500,000. Marcus Bent could also make his home debut for Wigan.
Previous results between the two sides has favoured Wigan Athletic more as they have totalled up two wins against their London rivals along with one defeat and a draw since being promoted to the Premiership. The most recent being a 0-0 draw at the JJB Stadium in the 2006/2007 season.
It's not looking to be a happy-outing for Fulham though if the form table follows as they have never beaten Wigan Athletic at the JJB Stadium in the Premiership.
Ex-Latics player Jimmy Bullard as well will NOT play in the game at the JJB Stadium as he is still nursing his injury which occurred last season whilst playing against Newcastle Utd. Jimmy Bullard is expected to be back playing for Fulham again by Christmas time and here's from all Latics and Cottagers fans wishing Jimmy Bullard a speedy recovery!
